November 8, 2022: Protecting Seniors from Financial Abuse and Fraud
Presenter: Lauree Peterson-Sakai, VOYCE Board Chair
Financial fraud is the fastest-growing form of elder abuse. Broadly defined, financial elder abuse is when someone illegally or improperly uses a vulnerable senior’s money or other property. Financial scams targeting seniors are prevalent and costly. The FBI estimates that seniors lose more than $3 billion each year to fraudsters. Scammers go after seniors because they believe older adults have a significant amount of money in their accounts. Unfortunately, seniors are susceptible to financial fraud due to higher levels of trust in those appearing to be official representatives of legitimate organizations and due to the ever increasingly complex methods fraudsters use to appear legitimate.
December 13, 2022: Signs of Abuse – How to Identify the Signs of Abuse and Protect Your Loved One
Presenter: Robin Pendelton, Training Technician, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Abuse can happen to any older person. Knowing how to identify the different types of abuse, how to recognize the signs, and where to get help is vital. Abuse can happen to any older person, by a loved one, a hired caregiver, or a stranger. Abuse can happen at home, at a relative’s home, or in an eldercare facility. There are many different types of abuse including physical, emotional, sexual, abandonment, financial, and neglect.